Frost Profiles

Band of the Hour

Gary Green, Professor of Music and Director of Bands at the University of Miami Frost School of Music, teaches conducting and serves as the conductor of the Frost Wind Ensemble. Formerly the chair of the Department of Instrumental Performance, Green holds a B.M. degree from Boise State University and an M.M. degree from the University of Idaho. He formerly conducted the University of Connecticut's Symphony Band, Wind Ensemble, and Marching Band. Green also was director of bands at University High School in Spokane, Washington, one of the most widely respected band programs in the nation. Throughout his career, Green has received numerous honors and awards. His recent conducting activities include events in Florida, Texas, Connecticut, Kansas, Maryland, Georgia, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and others. In addition, he has conducted all state, regional, national, and international honor bands.

Jay C. Rees is professor of music and director of athletic bands at the University of Miami Frost School of Music [effective July 1, 2014]. His responsibilities include leading the Frost Band of the Hour, the marching and pep bands of the University of Miami, at UM sporting events such as nationally televised Miami Hurricanes football and basketball games, and expanding the band’s reach and reputation throughout the region. Rees was previously professor of music and director of athletic bands at The University of Arizona in Tucson, where his bands released CD recordings, appeared on NBC-TV's Today Show and Fox Sports, and were named top in the country by the prestigious CBDNA. Rees’ contemporary arrangements and inventive drill design have gained national presence and he is referenced extensively in the book "Marching Bands and Drumlines: Secrets of Success from the Best of the Best.” An alumnus of the University of Miami Frost School of Music (B.M. ’84, jazz performance and music education), Jay Rees is an accomplished jazz bassist with international touring credits and still actively performs. He has a large catalog of published original music for jazz, wind ensemble, concert bands, and athletic bands, commissioned and performed by major universities and high schools nationwide. He also travels as a clinician, guest speaker, adjudicator, and conductor for band programs across the country. Rees is listed in Who's Who In America for the 21st Century as well as Who's Who Among America's Teachers. He is a member of ASCAP, The Recording Academy, and CBDNA.